POLICE are stepping up patrols on a Kidderminster estate to tackle gangs of drunken young yobs who have been wreaking havoc.

Officers are to use video recorders to tape badly behaved youngsters in Spennells in a bid to stop them going on wrecking sprees.

Gangs have left a trail of destruction in recent weeks, including smashing windows at Heronswood Primary School, Spennells Community Centre and Spennells Youth Centre.

Parked cars have been vandalised while thugs have also hurled stones and eggs at properties in the area, said PC Kev Fincher, of the West Mercia Police.

"We understand that young people like to meet up with their friends in the evenings but they are reminded they have no right to be on school, community centre or youth centre premises in the evenings unless they are participating in an organised event," he added.

"These are not appropriate places for youths to gather.

"It inevitably leads to anti-social behaviour, which residents and users of these facilities find intimidating.

"We take reports of criminal damage, vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour extremely seriously, and are increasing patrols by both uniformed and nonuniformed police officers and community support officers." He said officers were also planning to write letters to parents of key troublemakers, as well as bringing charges against others or making them the subject of anti-social behaviour orders.

"We would like to remind parents that it is their responsibility to know where their children are, who they are with and what they are up to in the evenings," he added.

He said officers were also working with staff at trading standards in a bid to stop shops from selling alcohol to youngsters aged under 18.

"We would also like to remind over 18s that they are committing an offence by purchasing alcohol on behalf of under 18s," he added.

He called on residents worried about issues in the area to attend the next Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meeting, which takes place next Tuesday, at 7pm, at Heronswood Primary School.

* Anyone with information can call police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.